"Elsewhere I" is the deepest and most colourful album by Nautic Depths so far. As the title suggests, it explores and dives into those places any listener of Ambient Music very likely knew about. A feeling of moving out of reality and physical focus with a sense of being "Elsewhere" - like an emotional journey to known, but also new and free places. "Elsewhere I" (followed by Part II later) is particularly inspired by these mind-based territories we can only reach through our imagination...

Comes as 4-panel Luxus-Digipak with full panoramic graphics on the cover.

Minimal but highly emotional drones to rich walls of sound, each title consists of subtle movements embedded in a colourful bed of several tone layers. The aim was to create an exceptionally warm-sounding album you can repeatedly listen to in situations requiring a "mental calmness" without cold / noisy tones or a harsh overall sound. The album was recorded, mixed and mastered with analog equipment to retain the unique sound delivered by non-digital hardware. Feeling "Zeitlos" ("Timeless" in English) is doubtlessly a desirable state of mind for most if not all of us when searching for personal rest... and that's what the album is made for!

Some time ago we were informed that the music on several albums by Mathias Grassow includes uncleared samples of releases by other artists. In legal terms "uncleared" means that an artist used music (sound samples and / or sections) from other works without permission from the legal owner of the copyright, and presented it as their own. After some detailed research, we unfortunately have to confirm that this information is correct, and refers at least to the following CDs by Mathias:

:: Transpersonal:: Calibration:: 3rd Dimension:: Fata Morgana

Two of those albums ("Transpersonal" and "3rd Dimension") extensively use sounds and complete sections from the song "Løyndomsriss" by the band "Wardruna".

A track on another album ("Fata Morgana") uses the complete guitar and synthesizer section of the track "The First Snow" by the band "Drudkh".

Finally on "Calibration", an entire track was taken from the previously released album "Perfume" by Klaus Wiese.

As we are sensitive about copyright issues and have respect for the artistic works of other musicians, we have decided to delete the afore-mentioned CDs from our site, and el culto will cease to distribute these albums from now on.

Despite this unfortunate news, we will still proceed with the re-release of "Himavat" in 2014, because the whole album (new mixing / mastering, covers, CDs) is already manufactured and was previously approved by Mathias (together with Himalaya and Dagaz). However, this will be the last album by Mathias directly released by el culto.

Finally on "Calibration", an entire track was taken from the previously released album "Perfume" by Klaus Wiese.

Oh geez. That's really disappointing to read.

This is very disappointing to hear. I like what I've heard of his more recent releases. I remember that on an early album ("In Search of Sanity," I think) he used an extended sample from one of Steve Roach's early 90s albums without getting clearance first.

Finally on "Calibration", an entire track was taken from the previously released album "Perfume" by Klaus Wiese.

Oh geez. That's really disappointing to read.

This is very disappointing to hear. I like what I've heard of his more recent releases. I remember that on an early album ("In Search of Sanity," I think) he used an extended sample from one of Steve Roach's early 90s albums without getting clearance first.

Forrest

Yeah I agree one full track untouched..it is just unbelievable.. I thought Klaus and him was close friends...

I think blatant plagiarism (piracy of sorts) is one thing, but 'reworking' material is a much more grey area. What do you need to do to a sound / sample to make it 'yours' ? I'm sure some legal musicologists would know. Is reversing it enough, for example ?

Interesting point on the legality side, all manner of sample packs and ambient libraries are used 'as is' frequently. I used to work with a guy who used those Acid Loops CDs entirely to create (so called) 'Hypnosis music' CDs, which sold very well. Personally, I thought he wasn't doing much artistically to create them, but who's to say how people should use this material ?

PLEASE guys…don´t start here a deeper discussion about legal terms (maybe a new thread for it in another section?). This here was only an info about some CDs with issues listed on el culto and why they are not available anymore.

@Pete: It depends on national rules and contracts between states and also on royalty companies for author right. Here in Germany our highest court said, even 2 seconds is not allowed to sample. And if you want sample you have to have the permission and need to credit the source at least.

Sample libraries are LICENSED to people who bought this package and can be used it as much as wanted afterward…same goes for AFAIK any synth and use of the included presets. BUT, some years ago even Spectrasonics asked for credits if you use some of their libraries for an official release!